Han wrote:
$800/month may be doable for you, but there may be people for whom it is
not. Example: 40-odd year-old couple (no kids, no more parents). Both
lost full-time jobs. One of them can retain the job, but is only paid 50%
as a part-time person. No benefits. Cobra costs over $1000/month.

That can be tough in NY City.

Well, I lost my job in 1998 and my wife didn't work. It was still
easily doable because I planned ahead and invested 10% of my gross from
the time I started working. 10% is less than what you and your employer
contribute to SS, yet if invested wisely, it will provide much more
income and not be drained even over a lifetime. Compound
interest/earnings are wonderful things.